drawer / Software
Tracking the robot's position on the field over time using encoder and gyro data (often fused with vision).
also calledPose estimationDead reckoning
where you actually meet Odometry
Odometry lets an autonomous routine say “drive to the scoring position” instead of “drive forward for 2.1 seconds”. Wheel encoders and a gyro integrate into a field position — and that position drifts, especially after a collision or a wheel slip. The drift is exactly why teams fuse AprilTag measurements into a pose estimator rather than trusting encoders alone.
Free and structured, and none of them need an account to read.
3lessons
the jargon travels in packs
Sensors & Controls
A sensor that measures rotation/position of a shaft, essential for closed-loop control and odometry.
read the entrySensors & Controls
A sensor that measures the robot's heading and rotation; common units are the NavX and CTRE Pigeon 2.0.
read the entrySensors & Controls
A fiducial marker (like a simple QR code) placed on the field that cameras use to estimate the robot's pose.
read the entrySoftware
A trajectory-optimization tool that generates time-optimal autonomous paths, often paired with WPILib.
read the entryOdometry is one of 70 entries in the catalogue. The guides are where these words get used in order, instead of one at a time.